Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel simulated stair exerciser. More particularly, this invention relates to a simulated stair exercise apparatus which is lightweight, portable, and can be converted from an upright position when in use to a compact fully collapsed position which can be stored away. A simulated stair exercise apparatus comprising: (a) a base; (b) a slide frame, a first end of which is pivotally attached to the base; (c) a leg frame pivotally attached to the slide frame at a second end of the slide frame, the end of the leg frame removed from the pivotal end being detachably connectable to the base; (d) a handle pivotally connected to the leg frame or the slide frame; (e) a pair of detachable foot rests adapted to move upwardly or downwardly along the slide frame; and (f) an adjustable tension member which exerts a resistance force on the foot rests and enables the slide resistance of the foot rests to be varied.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic monitoring and shutoff system for utilities which allows the user to set the system to permit certain uses of gas or water without triggering the shutoff, depending on whether the user is home or away, and is able to provide for specific usual or unusual uses.

Abstract: An intrusion detection system for a space secured in part by a deflectable physical barrier includes a cable sensor mounted on the barrier in such manner that it stretches and flexes in response to deflection of the barrier, thereby to produce an output signal representing such movement. A signal processor receives the signal from the coaxial cable and provides an output affirmative signal if the amplitude of the cable signal, within a predetermined frequency range lying below about 30 Hz, exceeds a predetermined level for a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: An FM/CW radar system is disclosed for determining a safe stopping distance between a moving vehicle and a potential obstacle. The radar signal is modulated linearly over several slopes. A microstrip phased array transmit/receive antenna is also disclosed having a hybrid tap, corporate feed structure. Signals from the antenna are amplified and filtered, and passed through an analog to digital converter to a signal processor, which performs a Fast Fourier Transform on the signals to convert them from time domain data to frequency domain data. The frequency domain data is then used to solve target range and doppler equations, determine safe stopping distances, and sound or display alarms if the safe stopping distance has been violated. A sensitivity control adjusts for road conditions or operator reaction time variations.

Abstract: A landscape leveling and raking apparatus has a frame, a handle protruding upwardly from the frame, a rake pivotally coupled to the frame to protrude downwardly and rearwardly therefrom, a screed fixed to the frame forwardly of the rake, a plurality of tiller blades rotatably mounted along a forward, open end of the frame, a motor which rotatably drives the tiller blades, and a mechanism for raising or lowering the tiler ,blades relative to the frame. As the blades rotate, they till the soil and propel the apparatus forward. The frame is open along its front edge. This allows soil to accumulate within the frame as the apparatus moves forward. The soil gradually escapes from the frame by passing beneath a screed fixed along the lower rear edge of the frame. The screed levels the soil before it is raked by the tines of the rake.

Abstract: A multiple bit screwdriver employs a breach loading magazine to store a plurality of bits. The magazine is enclosed inside the hollow handle of the screwdriver and is extracted along the axis of the screwdriver when the end-cap of the handle is pulled. The bits are stored in the magazine and are located about the circumference of the magazine tube that reciprocates relative to the screwdriver. When the magazine is fully extracted, the bits are easily viewed and may be individually removed from or replaced in the clips applying a simple radial force.

Abstract: A helicopter load vibration damper having an outer cylinder with closed upper and lower ends. A piston is slidably mounted within the cylinder to define a chamber between the piston and the cylinder's lower end. The chamber is pressurized with an inert gas such as nitrogen, with the gas pressure being adjustable to suit the load which is to be transported. A rod is fixed to one side of the piston, extends through the chamber and protrudes through the lower end of the cylinder for attachment to the load. A hydraulic shock absorber is connected between the opposite side of the piston and the upper end of the cylinder. An anti-rotation mechanism prevents the shock absorber from rotating relative to the rod, around the vibration damper's longitudinal axis. The anti-rotation mechanism incorporates a tube which encircles the shock absorber, within the outer cylinder. A pin used to couple the shock absorber to the piston is also coupled to the tube.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for lockingly engaging and supporting a length of conduit, such as a pipeline span extending above an irregular seabed. The clamping apparatus includes a saddle shaped to overlie the conduit span to be supported and a frame straddling the saddle and pivotably coupled thereto. The saddle includes clamps which automatically swing to a closed position when the saddle is seated on the conduit. The frame has extensible legs for supporting the conduit on an underlying support surface, such as a sandy seabed.

Abstract: A belt-mountable bracket for removably supporting a mud pan for use by construction workers during drywall installation. The bracket is adjustable between a deployed position extending outwardly from the worker's waist belt and a collapsed position resting alongside the worker's body.

Abstract: A combination binder/book rest having front and rear covers (10, 12) pivotally connected along opposed edges of a spine (14). A support element (52) is pivotally connected to the front cover to support the front cover at a selected angle of inclination. A page retention mechanism (86, 88; 98, 100; 106, 108) rotatably connected to the spine bears against pages of a book (110) supported by the inclined front cover. An adjusting mechanism (56, 74, 76) is provided for adjusting the cover's angle of inclination. When not functioning as a book rest, the device may be configured in a storage position in which it functions as a conventional three-ring loose-leaf binder. The binder's contents (27) may be easily removed for reference while the device is functioning as a book rest. The book rest aspect of the device provides improved support by utilizing one of the binder's covers to support the open book. The page retention mechanism may be adjusted to accommodate books of many sizes.

Abstract: A near-field goniophotometric apparatus and method for measuring the three-dimensional near-field distribution of luminous flux surrounding a light source. The apparatus incorporates an imaging photometer mounted on a rotatable arm. The photometer is designed to measure the helios of a volume of space rather than the luminance of a planar surface, and to simultaneously measure the helios of a plurality of such volumes. A control mechanism is provided to position the arm and to rotate the light source relative to the arm. The method facilitates prediction of the illuminance or irradiance at a point on a plane from the helios measurements.

Abstract: Hair regrowth is promoted by positioning one or more electrodes closely proximate a subject's scalp. A low voltage positive or negative polarity signal having a selected frequency of either 7.86 or 15.72 hertz is applied to the electrode(s) for about twelve minutes. The subject undergoes a hair regrowth treatment cycle spanning a period of about thirty-two weeks during which one or two of the treatments aforesaid are applied per week.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a retractable roller-hinge assembly for use with retractable overhead doors. More particularly, this invention relates to a novel roller-hinge assembly which when installed on conventional retractable overhead doors, such as garage doors warehouse doors or truck doors, enables the door panels to pull away more quickly from the door frame as the overhead door is raised, or lowered. A hinge assembly for connecting upper and lower panels of a retractable overhead door comprising: (a) upper devices for securing to the upper panel; (b) lower devices adapted for securing to the lower panel, the lower devices being hingedly connected by a pivotal axis to the upper devices; (c) roller and roller axle devices rotatably connected to the upper devices, said roller and axle devices being adapted to move towards the lower devices as the upper devices are pivoted about the pivotal axis.

Abstract: A telephone privacy protector for connection to a common exchange line and each one of at least two telephone operated devices sharing a line includes a voice connecting circuit for connection between a respective telephone line operated device and the line. There is a control deice connected to the circuit having an on and off state wherein the control device in the on state permits the voice connecting circuit to operate. There are means for turing the control device on when the respective telephone line operated device goes off hook provided that no other telephone line operated device sharing the line is off hook. There are means for providing a residual charge to the control device in order to reactivate same after the respective telephone line operated device is placed momentarily on hook and then returned to an off hook state while any other telephone line operated device connected to the line is off hook.

Abstract: This invention relates to the novel use of N-acetyl glucosamine for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract disorders by restoring and maintaining the integrity and normal function of the gastrointestinal tract. A method of treating gastrointestinal mucous membrane disorder in a human being comprising feeding the human being a therapeutic amount of N-acetyl glucosamine on a periodic basis.

Abstract: A replacement elevator call button unit which may be electrically connected to an elevator controller having first and second power supply lines and having an elevator call registering terminal. The replacement unit includes an electronic switch (preferably a silicon controlled rectifier) which is electrically connectible between the power supply lines. A normally open push button is electrically coupled to the switch in order to switch the first switch from an inoperative state in which current flow between the power lines is prevented, to an operative state in which such current flow is permitted. A voltage divider is provided for electrical connection across the elevator call registering terminal, in series with the switch means. Cross firing between two or more corresponding replacement units is accomplished by a second electronic switch (preferably a photo diode) optically coupled to the first switch, without requiring any additional wiring.